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City Council gives green light to 401 Oak Grove project

The City Council has voted to allow developer Brad Hoyt to move ahead with his seven-story, 124-unit apartment project at 401 Oak Grove in Loring Park.

The Council approved his appeal of a Minneapolis Planning Commission decision that rejected his proposed development. Opponents of the project, including members of the neighborhood group Citizens for a Loring Park Community (CLPC), have raised concerns about the size and scale of the building in relation to neighboring buildings and its proximity to Loring Pond.

City Council Member Gary Schiff (9th Ward) spoke in favor of the plan at the Council’s meeting this morning, arguing it fits with the character of the neighborhood, which is home to many large apartments buildings.

Meanwhile, City Council Member Cam Gordon (2nd Ward) voted against the project and took issue with its height and potential impact on view corridors and the character of the area.

Hoyt’s latest plan for 401 Oak Grove comes on the heels of a long legal battle with the city over two other plans for the site that called for condos. The first plan was for a 21-story condo tower called Parc Centrale.

Traci Thomas, executive vice president of Wayzata-based Continental Property Group, said the development group plans to move ahead with construction on the apartments as soon as possible.